Xi Jinping Purges Top Military Leaders: Generals Zhang Youxia, Liu Zhenli Detained

• China's Chairman Xi Jinping has reportedly detained General Zhang Youxia and General Liu Zhenli, the highest military leaders, on January 24.
• The arrests are seen as a culmination of Xi's campaign to cleanse the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and ensure maximum loyalty.
• Zhang Youxia was the highest uniformed figure in the Central Military Commission (CMC), and Liu Zhenli was also a member; their removal leaves the CMC with only two members.
• Reasons for the purge range from corruption and political problems to alleged leaks of nuclear data and failure to meet modernization goals.
• The crackdown raises concerns about the PLA's morale, combat readiness, and the stability of China's military leadership, drawing parallels to historical purges.

Why It Matters: Xi Jinping's unprecedented purge of top military leadership signals a deepening loyalty campaign and raises concerns about PLA stability.